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Hurricane Maria: Trump declares disaster in Puerto Rico, power could take months to restore

US President Donald Trump has approved a disaster declaration for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria slammed into the US territory, with fears it could be without power for months.

The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in over 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and triggered heavy flooding.

The declaration makes federal funding available to Puerto Ricans affected by the storm.

Puerto Rico was absolutely obliterated.

Puerto Rico is in very, very, very tough shape.

We're starting the process now, so we'll work with the governor and the people of Puerto Rico.

– Donald Trump

Mr Trump also said he would visit the island territory during the media briefing.

The extent of the damage is unknown given that dozens of municipalities remained isolated and without communication after Maria blew ashore on Wednesday morning in the south-east coastal town of Yabucoa as a Category 4 storm with winds of 155mph.

Uprooted trees and widespread flooding blocked many roads across the island, creating a maze that forced drivers to go against traffic and past police cars that used loudspeakers to warn people they must respect a curfew imposed by the governor to ensure everyone's safety.

Puerto Rico's electric grid was crumbling amid lack of maintenance and a dwindling staff even before the hurricanes knocked out power. Many now believe it will take weeks, if not months, to restore power.

The now-Category 3 hurricane is centered about 95 miles north-northwest of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and is moving northwest at 9 mph and is expected to pass near the Turks and Coacos later today.